Drains are used in a variety of orthopedic, general surgery and cardiac procedures. Effective surgical drain management will prevent infections, promote faster healing and reduce pain after surgery. Patients who have undergone these procedures need to be managed well to prevent the situation from worsening.
With the existence of different types of drains, each requires unique attention. They are used to get rid of fluids such as blood, serum and lymph which are likely to accumulate on the bed or around the wound. These fluids exert unnecessary pressure on the area where surgery has been conducted causing vessels, nerves and organs to malfunction. The pressure causes a decrease in perfusion which slows down the rate of healing. The area where fluid has buildup is perfect for bacteria buildup.
The process of draining the fluid can either be active or passive. Passive is where natural gravity is used to expel the liquids from the surgery area. Active drainage involves the use of sanction or vacuuming force. The surgeon makes a decision on the procedure to use based on availability of necessary equipment, expertise and its suitability in the prevailing conditions.
There are expected complications when using drains. It is worth noting that drains are very painful to insert and remove. Maintaining them in position requires careful maneuvers and is also very painful. The tubes rub against tissues lining their path from the wound to the skin or exit. The entry point for the tube is also likely to be attacked by bacteria which are likely to cause infections.
The complication of using a drain worsens as the days go by. The risk of infection rises several folds by the third and fourth day. Nearby tissues are significantly damaged at the time through rubbing. The best way to handle the situation is to place it so that it reaches the wound and the skin through the shortest distance. The route used should also be the safest for the patient. This means that it will exert the least pressure and to the least number of tissues.
It is natural for the body to resist the drain by encasing it. This is because it is regarded as a foreign body. The reaction by the body reduces the effectiveness of the tubes. This is best handled through constant monitoring to ensure that the tube is still functioning optimally. The drains must be labeled clearly to make management consistent.
Regular monitoring is important. Check the color, quality of drainage and consistency. A sanguineous appearance characterizes the initial stages. The fluid is red and thick because of blood leftovers on the area where the operation was carried out. The staff handling the patient should be aware of the type of fluid expected based on the location and type of operation carried out.
With time, the fluid becomes thinner and reduces in volume. The changes should be tracked, documented and reported so that appropriate action can be taken in case of a problem. Care should never be delegated to a trainee and sterile techniques must be used during handling. Removal should only be approved by a qualified surgeon and according to prescribed procedure. The amount of drainage is also recorded for monitoring and comparison so that further action can be taken.
With the existence of different types of drains, each requires unique attention. They are used to get rid of fluids such as blood, serum and lymph which are likely to accumulate on the bed or around the wound. These fluids exert unnecessary pressure on the area where surgery has been conducted causing vessels, nerves and organs to malfunction. The pressure causes a decrease in perfusion which slows down the rate of healing. The area where fluid has buildup is perfect for bacteria buildup.
The process of draining the fluid can either be active or passive. Passive is where natural gravity is used to expel the liquids from the surgery area. Active drainage involves the use of sanction or vacuuming force. The surgeon makes a decision on the procedure to use based on availability of necessary equipment, expertise and its suitability in the prevailing conditions.
There are expected complications when using drains. It is worth noting that drains are very painful to insert and remove. Maintaining them in position requires careful maneuvers and is also very painful. The tubes rub against tissues lining their path from the wound to the skin or exit. The entry point for the tube is also likely to be attacked by bacteria which are likely to cause infections.
The complication of using a drain worsens as the days go by. The risk of infection rises several folds by the third and fourth day. Nearby tissues are significantly damaged at the time through rubbing. The best way to handle the situation is to place it so that it reaches the wound and the skin through the shortest distance. The route used should also be the safest for the patient. This means that it will exert the least pressure and to the least number of tissues.
It is natural for the body to resist the drain by encasing it. This is because it is regarded as a foreign body. The reaction by the body reduces the effectiveness of the tubes. This is best handled through constant monitoring to ensure that the tube is still functioning optimally. The drains must be labeled clearly to make management consistent.
Regular monitoring is important. Check the color, quality of drainage and consistency. A sanguineous appearance characterizes the initial stages. The fluid is red and thick because of blood leftovers on the area where the operation was carried out. The staff handling the patient should be aware of the type of fluid expected based on the location and type of operation carried out.
With time, the fluid becomes thinner and reduces in volume. The changes should be tracked, documented and reported so that appropriate action can be taken in case of a problem. Care should never be delegated to a trainee and sterile techniques must be used during handling. Removal should only be approved by a qualified surgeon and according to prescribed procedure. The amount of drainage is also recorded for monitoring and comparison so that further action can be taken.
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